ClimateJuly 16, 2026

intervenor

/ˌɪntərˈviːnər/

Definition

A person, group, or organization that formally participates in a regulatory proceeding to represent interests, such as those of utility consumers or environmental advocates, distinct from the primary utility provider.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'intervenire,' meaning to come between or interrupt. It entered Middle English through the legal term 'intervene,' designating one who enters a lawsuit to protect their own interest.

In the news

In this article, intervenors—such as consumer advocacy groups—are described as essential actors who submit evidence to help PUCs evaluate utility proposals, though they often lack the resources to match the utilities' influence. Their role is highlighted as a critical, yet underfunded, part of the regulatory system.

Rethinking State Regulators in Climate and Affordability Agendas

Read the full article ↗

Federation of American Scientists

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